Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Argall Seeks to Reform Process of Electing Lieutenant Governor

Senator David G. Argall (R-Berks/Schuylkill) held a press conference Tuesday discussing his proposed legislation which seeks to reform the process of electing the lieutenant governor in Pennsylvania.
“Right now, we are witnessing a tumultuous relationship between our current governor and lieutenant governor; both parties have acknowledged their lack of communication with one another over the course of several weeks at a time,” Argall said. “While this is certainly not the first time a forced political marriage between our top two leaders of the executive branch has failed the people of Pennsylvania, continuing this kind of arrangement will hurt our efforts to streamline state government and decrease the state’s staggering $3.1 billion budget deficit.”

Argall’s proposed legislation, which has already garnered bipartisan support from his colleagues in the Senate, would amend the state’s Constitution to allow gubernatorial candidates to select their running mate following the primary election – subject to the approval of their state committees – which is a similar process to how presidential candidates select their vice presidential running mates.

Argall notes the goal of this legislation is to foster better cooperation, communication and trust between the governor and the lieutenant governor. “By allowing the governor to provide input in selecting a lieutenant governor, a stronger relationship will be forged, taxpayer money would be saved and these two important members of the executive branch can lead more effectively and efficiently on behalf of Pennsylvania’s citizens.”